Advocate editorial board opinion: Prepare for storm now before it's too late

By By the Advocate Editorial Board
July 27, 2011 at 2:27 a.m.Updated July 28, 2011 at 2:28 a.m.

PREPAREDNESS CHECK LIST

At least 1 gallon of water per person for three to seven days

Non-perishable food

Can opener

Cooking tools and fuel

Paper plates and plastic utensils

Blankets and pillows

Weather clothing

First Aid kit, medicines

Hygiene items

Flashlight and extra batteries

Battery operated radio and NOAA weather radio

Fully charged cell phone with extra battery

Cash and credit cards

Keys

Important documents placed in waterproof container

Tools

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet and pet supplies

Source - www.nhc.noaa.gov/

We've been fortunate that no hurricanes have threatened us since hurricane season began June 1. But here we are in late July, and near the Yucatan Peninsula is Tropical Storm Don, swirling angrily toward the Texas Coast. In fact, one weather model from impactweather.com shows it will hit the coast right at Victoria.

Predicting exactly where Don will hit and how strong it will become is not really possible, but we can be pretty sure it is coming to the Texas Coast - either as a tropical storm or as a hurricane.

Regardless, it is a good time to make preparations for your family, you and your property and possessions.

In years past, about one-third of residents along the Gulf Coast said they would not evacuate if a hurricane threatened, according to a phone survey that was conducted by Harvard School of Public Health researchers.

We urge you to evacuate when a hurricane threatens, especially if the storm is a Category 3 or more. You could save your life as well as others by evacuating when the order is issued.

Powerful hurricanes have hit in our area before, and they have left a path of destruction and death. Most notably was Hurricane Carla, a category 4-5 storm that hit the coast between Port O'Connor and Port Lavaca on Sept. 11, 1961. Forty-three lives were lost because of Carla.

Taking a chance with your life is not wise. If a hurricane threatens, don't try to second-guess it. Pack your things and evacuate when the order is given, or get ahead of the order and leave the area for safer ground. Be safe.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.